Bellaire library renovations expected to move ahead soon

The Bellaire City Library hopes to get started on some planned renovations
as early as next month, and probably at a lower cost than expected.

The renovations mostly consist of "bringing the building up to code," says
Library Director Mary Cohrs. Specifics include improving the building's
Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility in the restrooms and other
places, plus some electrical work mold removal. The Library was initially
built in 1962, with a two-story addition in 1974, Cohrs says.

Though Bellaire has not picked a contractor yet, City Manager Bernard
Satterwhite says city staff is currently looking at bids submitted to the
city for the project. He might have a proposal together in time to present
to the City Council at its Dec. 20 meeting.

Satterwhite also says the project was initially budgeted at $800,000, but
that most of the bids propose doing it for less than $500,000, "so that's
good news for us."

Cohrs says she hopes the renovations will begin in January, and might take
three or four months.

"We're hoping to remain open" during the work, Cohrs says. "It might be
limited service, but people can come in and get something. We'll be doing
storytimes in different locations. Bot all the computers may be available,
and we may have to go get books for people, depending on the scope and
nature of the work. If it goes the way I'm hoping, we will still be open for
some service."